Today, as in the past, many Alaskans live off the land, relying on fish, wildlife and other wild resources. Alaska Natives have used these subsistence resources for food, shelter, clothing, transportation, handicrafts and trade for thousands of years.

Subsistence, and all it entails, is critical to sustaining both the physical and spiritual culture of Alaska Native peoples. It is an important tradition for many non-Natives as well.

When the first Europeans visited Alaska's shores during the 1740s, all the local residents they met were engaged in a subsistence lifestyle. As the population grew through the territorial days, many new and conflicting demands were made on Alaska's natural and cultural resources. Development in various forms, such as harvesting marine and inland furbearers, commercial fisheries, mining operations, agriculture, development of military bases, along with establishment of cities and towns often impacted local resources and subsistence activities. By the time Alaska gained statehood in 1959, subsistence patterns in some of Alaska's more populated areas had been greatly affected.

Learn More about Subsistence

Who Are Subsistence Users?

Equipment and Access

What Resources Can Be Used?

Program Details

Do you find the Federal Subsistence Management Program and hunting and fishing regulations confusing? If so, you are not alone.

Denali National Park and Preserve and the Denali Subsistence Resource Commission (SRC) developed the resources above to clarify complicated regulations for subsistence users. They contain important information including; qualifications for hunting, trapping and fishing, various ways you can access hunting areas in the park, ideas on how you can participate in the regulatory change process, use of cabins, collection of fire wood and other topics.

Although Federal subsistence hunting and trapping opportunities are not limited to National Park Service lands, this guide is designed to provide information specific to Denali. You should consult other agencies about subsistence programs on their lands.

Denali National Park and Preserve and the Denali Subsistence Resource Commission are committed to providing the opportunity for rural Alaskans engaged in a subsistence way of life to continue to do so. Park staff and the Commission are working to protect subsistence opportunities by conserving natural and healthy fish and wildlife populations. Input from subsistence users is crucial to the subsistence management program at Denali. Please participate by attending SRC meetings or sharing your concerns with us.

Get Involved

Throughout Alaska, management of subsistence use on federal lands (e.g., national parks) is largely handled through the Federal Subsistence Board. Board meetings are an opportunity to interact with people who oversee the program and to suggest proposals for changes to subsistence management.

Denali Subsistence Resource Commission Meetings

View meeting minutes from recent meetings.

Next meeting: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 10 am

The meeting will be held via Teleconference only.

To join via your computer, please email Dani Beekman for a link.
To join with audio only via your phone, use the information below:
Teleconference Call-In Number: 1-202-640-1187
Conference ID: 731 949 92

The Superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve and the Chairperson of the Denali Subsistence Resource Commission announce a forthcoming meeting of the Subsistence Resource Commission for Denali National Park and Preserve. The following agenda items will be discussed. Contact Amy Craver (907-342-2877) with questions.

Agenda:

1. Call to Order – Chair Charlie Wright
2. Roll Call and Confirmation of Quorum – Amy Craver
3. Introductions – Charlie Wright
4. Additions and Corrections to Draft Agenda – Amy Craver
5. Superintendent’s Welcome – Brooke Merrell
6. Approval of Minutes from Last Commission Meeting – Charlie Wright
7. Review of Denali SRC Charter – Amy Craver/Victoria Florey
8. Executive Session with SRC members – Charlie Wright
9. Discussion between SRC members and Superintendent – Charlie Wright
10. Commissioners’ Updates on Subsistence Issues/Activities – Charlie Wright
11. Public and Other Agency Comments
12. Old Business
    1. Federal Registration Moose Hunt – Amy Craver and Pat Owen
13. New Business
    1. Regional Office Update – Victoria Florey
    2. Call for Wildlife Proposals to Federal Subsistence Board – Amy Craver
    3. Status of SRC Vacancies – Amy Craver
    4. Update on SAC funded Project – Amy Craver
14. Reports and Updates
    • Ranger Division Update – David Olson
    • Resources Update – Dave Schirokauer
    • Cultural Resources Update – Susannah Lemke
    • Fish and Wildlife Updates – Pat Owen
15. Public and Other Agency Comments
16. Set Time and Place for next Denali SRC Meeting
17. Adjournment